Review: A Wonderful Way to End FALL FOR DANCE 2017

Every year since its inception in 2004, Fall for Dance has brought together both veteran and emerging artists to perform on the same stage on the same night. And if that wasn't enough for you, audience members have the opportunity to see all this at the low cost of $15 for any seat in the house at the lovely New York City Center! This two-week festival has had sold out performances each year and has become a cultural staple to dance lovers of all walks of life here in New York City.

I had the privilege to see Program E on Saturday, October 14, 2017- the fifth program line up and final showing as part of this much anticipated event.

The show opened with the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performing the piece Solo Echo by Crystal Pite. It was full of beautiful choreography and athletic moves with many jumps and leaps as they performed in front of snowflakes falling in the background. And I have to say, there were some moments that were just mesmerizing! They were followed by the wonderful dancing of the San Francisco Ballet. They performed a piece entitled Concerto Grosso by Helgi Tomasson. This quintet for men was absolutely beautiful. They all move together so well with such grace, elegance and strong technique. It was also nice to see a cast of all men performing classical ballet, It was all quite pleasing to the eye.

Since 2013, the New York City Center began commissioning new works for the Fall for Dance Festival, featuring the works of many leading choreographers. The program continued with the world premiere of the piece Twelve of 'em- a Fall for Dance commission, choreographed by Mark Morris and performed by New York City Ballet dancer David Hallberg with Colin Fowler on the piano. The dance featured the music Twelve Variations for Piano by Benjamin Britten, which provided 12 distinct musical and movement selections. Morris used the music to infuse his sense of humor into the choreography as you could hear the laughs throughout the audience. It looked like Hallberg and Fowler were also having fun with the dance as they shared a glance of smiles and giggles.

The program concluded with the stunning moves of Danza Contemporanea de Cuba in the US premiere of Matria Etnocentra by George Céspedes. This piece was very intense, but I loved it! Although there was a big cast, they all moved as one unit. Such precision, it was amazing. You couldn't find a mistake even if you tried. The movements were all very fast and exciting, I couldn't take my eyes off the stage. It was truly a wonderful way to end the festival!

What a great show! I loved every minute of it. I also appreciated the diversity of styles in the program. I commend the New York City Center for putting together such a great lineup of shows. They never seem to disappoint. Congratulations on a successful season and I can't wait until next year!

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